birthdays...

Ethan turned 4 on September 28 and I turned 35 this past Friday. A lot happened in the week and a half between the birthdays and I will explain that in my next post. Just like any other child, Ethan is excited to be getting older, but me...not so much! There are things that happen after age 35 that I am not looking forward to. I still see myself as a 25 year old...when does how I see myself catch up to how old I really am?

Ethan had a batman party and in his words, it was "awesome." I really don't know why he wanted a batman party. We have absolutely nothing batman in our home, but that is what he wanted.

Much to Ethan's delight, Brice made a special appearance as "batman", but I won't post any of those pictures! I thought he might post some on his blog, but he hasn't yet.

I had a great birthday. We went to our favorite pizza restaurant for dinner and then to a highschool football game. We had to pull out the layers, hats and gloves...perfect football weather.

Other than the fact that Ethan (he refused to smile) complained the whole time about being thirsty and hungry, we had a great time! Brice and I had a glimpse of our future while we were at the game and it was frightening. Just picture a bunch of middle school boys yelling, running up and down the bleachers, hitting each other, stuffing nachos into their mouths, spilling hot chocolate, bumping into annoyed adults, oblivious to everything around them, except their other crazy friends. Yikes!

first day of preschool

Ethan has been
talking about
preschool since
January...I think
he is going to
love it! He had a
great first day.
He has come a long
way in his almost
4 years of life.
This is a big milestone
for my little boy! We
are very proud
of him!

monday was the first day of school

I am sad to see them go back to school, but very proud of them at the same time. They are really good kids and I miss them already. Ethan and Levi don't know what to do with themselves...they miss their older brother and sister. We will eventually get into a new routine, but it doesn't feel the same at home anymore. Good luck, Abigail and Isaac!

our colorado vacation

In July, we drove 13 hours to Colorado to see Brice's parents. Just a reminder of what a beautiful state it is! Here are some pictures from a couple of the popular sites we visited: Garden of the Gods and the Sand Dunes National Park. Huge rocks to climb and the biggest "sand box" we have ever seen - what more could the kids ask for?!?

(important mom note: I was able to get Levi's white onesie completely clean...you will see what I am talking about!)

Flags for Freedom

Happy Fourth of July!

Catching up...

Happy Summer! Here is a glimpse of what has been happening the last month or so.

Isaac started coach pitch baseball

Brice turned 34

Abigail finished soccer

Levi went to TableRock Lake for the first time

Ethan drove a boat and caught a fish...Abigail & Isaac started learning how to water ski

Isaac turned 6


The kids had a lemonade stand to raise money for the AHA Heart Walk. All in all, our family raised $350! We were part of a "big" team that has raised $44,000 for CHD research!

Ethan doesn't like the carnival ride "dizzy dragon" & a parade with lots of friends!

and last, but not least, Abigail turns EIGHT!

American Heart Association Heart Walk

This is the first year that we will participate in the AHA Heart Walk (May 30th) and we will be walking in honor of Ethan. All the money that our team raises will be used to fund LOCAL research for Congenital Heart Defects. This means that Ethan and so many other children will be directly impacted! If you would like to donate in honor of Ethan, you may do so at his heart walk website. Thanks so much.